A hurricane in Houston. Growing tension between North Korea and the United States. Racial and civil unrest. Rarely does a day or week pass when the headlines don’t declare some new threat or state of emergency. One thing is clear and grows clearer all the time–
Life is hard.
Navigating the complicated political and social issues of the 21st century is no easy task. And these national and international issues say little to nothing of the personal problems and tragedies that can plague a person at home, at work, or at church. Whether the conflict is relational, financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual, human beings are susceptible to discouragement in a thousand different ways every day.
Does God Know or Care that Life Is Hard?
Though God was not obligated to put His Word in writing or to preserve it for hundreds of generations or to make it so widely and easily accessible to His people, He did. And if that wasn’t enough of a signal that He cares about what happens on earth, He took it a step further. He didn’t just fill the Bible with a historical record; He filled the pages of Scripture with truths that apply to today’s hardships and disasters.
God absolutely knows that life is hard. By divine inspiration, He warned those who follow Him that difficult days would come. 1 Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Unfortunately, as certain as the sun will rise, the Christian will experience hardship in this life.
Does God care that life is hard? Yes. Thankfully, God did not promise trials without also providing the anecdote for their survival. The Psalms (and all of Scripture!) are filled with encouragement for every trouble and trial people face.
5 Psalms to Read When Life Gets Hard
One of the remarkable realities of Scripture is that it is just as relevant to today’s circumstances as it was when it was written thousands of years ago. Consider these 5 Psalms, written several centuries ago, and consider how relevant they are to current heartache and disappointment:
1. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
2. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
3. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
4. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).
5. “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).
5 Additional Scriptures to Read When Life Gets Hard
God did not limit His divinely inspired encouragement to the Psalms. Located throughout the Bible–Old and New Testament–He peppered His promises for hard times. Consider these 5 Scriptures and their relevance to today’s struggles:
1. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
2. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
3. “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
4. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
5. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
God’s Directive for When Life Is Hard
Discouragement can settle overhead like a thick, gray fog. Tomorrow a new national tragedy or natural disaster may dominate the news. Personal conflict–internal or external–may only increase as time marches on.
What is God’s anecdote for suffering?
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:12-14).
~ Christian Patriot Daily
